ST. LOUIS — Tuesday was an important start for Bud Norris because of multiple reasons.

It didn’t go well.

Norris then declined to answer follow-up questions after speaking postgame with the media for a little more than a minute.

The Astros’ No. 1 starter allowed 11 hits and seven runs in five innings, falling to 6-8 while his ERA hit 3.63. The seven runs tied Norris’ season-high (May 13 at Detroit) and set a career high against the Cardinals. He also tweaked his left ankle while making a second-inning pitch to Matt Carpenter during St. Louis 9-5 victory at Busch Stadium.

The righthander said his ankle was taped during the game. Asked if it could force him to miss his next start — which is to be determined; he isn’t scheduled to pitch before the All-Star break — Norris said, “I don’t know right now.”

Twenty-two days remain before the July 31 trade deadline. Norris has been the Astros’ best overall pitcher this season and general manager Jeff Luhnow backed up the club’s No. 1 starter during a pregame interview. Major questions remain about Norris’ future with the Astros, though, and Tuesday’s start was his most discouraging outing of the season.

“There was a lot going on (Tuesday),” Norris said.

Harrell’s new role

Former Astros No. 2 starter Lucas Harrell made his 2013 debut as a reliever, taking over for Norris in the sixth inning and allowing four hits, two runs and two walks in three frames.

Harrell said he was initially unsure how many pitches he needed to throw while warming up and relied on his teammates for assistance.

“It was something new. … I kind of warmed up like I was starting a little bit, because I had a little bit of time,” he said. “It was good. It was a good experience. I just didn’t execute (Tuesday).”

He added: “I’ve got to pitch better or I’m not going to be here. It’s just the name of the game.”

Springer in September?

Pregame, Luhnow said the organization won’t determine for a while whether top prospect George Springer receives a September callup to the majors.

Then Springer was Springer. The 23-year-old center fielder went 4-for-5 with two home runs, a triple and five RBIs during Class AAA Oklahoma City’s 11-8 road loss to Round Rock on Tuesday.

Luhnow on Springer’s future and a possible September promotion to Astros: “No option is being ruled off the table. But the original plan was half the year in Corpus Christi and half the year in Oklahoma City. And that’s essentially what happened. We got him through the All-Star break in the Texas League and he will spend the last two months in Oklahoma City, and then we’ll have to make a decision after that time.

“September, there are a lot of players who are in Triple-A right now who have already been to the big leagues and we need to bring some of them back, and we’re going to need to learn about some other players. It depends on what our objectives are in September … and we’ll know more about that as we get closer.”

Misc.

Shortstop Ronny Cedeno left the game with a contusion on his left big toe. “I think he’s fine,” Astros manager Bo Porter said. “Those guys that wear the pads, I always say this: The ball hits everywhere except the pad.” … Chris Carter (hand) pinch-hit in the ninth inning. Porter said he performed well during batting practice and should be able to play a full game Wednesday.

Twitter: ChronAstros

Photo: Dilip Vishwanat / Getty Images

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July 10: Cardinals 5, Astros 4

J.D. Martinez is tagged out at home by Tony Cruz of the Cardinals.

July 10: Cardinals 5, Astros 4

J.D. Martinez is tagged out at home by Tony Cruz of the Cardinals.

Photo: Dilip Vishwanat / Getty Images

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Matt Adams hits an RBI single against the Astros in the second inning.

Matt Adams hits an RBI single against the Astros in the second inning.

Photo: Dilip Vishwanat / Getty Images

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Jake Elmore turns a double play over Matt Adams.

Jake Elmore turns a double play over Matt Adams.

Photo: Dilip Vishwanat / Getty Images

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J.D. Martinez hits an RBI single.

J.D. Martinez hits an RBI single.

Photo: Dilip Vishwanat / Getty Images

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Matt Holliday follows through on a two-RBI single.

Matt Holliday follows through on a two-RBI single.

Photo: Tom Gannam / Associated Press

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Cardinals starting pitcher Shelby Miller delivers in the first inning.

Cardinals starting pitcher Shelby Miller delivers in the first inning.

Photo: Tom Gannam / Associated Press

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Matt Carpenter, right, rounds the bases after hitting a two-run home run in the seventh inning.

Matt Carpenter, right, rounds the bases after hitting a two-run home run in the seventh inning.

Photo: Chris Lee / Associated Press

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Matt Holliday recoils from an inside pitch.

Matt Holliday recoils from an inside pitch.

Photo: Tom Gannam / Associated Press

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Yadier Molina reacts after striking out.

Yadier Molina reacts after striking out.

Photo: Tom Gannam / Associated Press

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Astros starting pitcher Jordan Lyles delivers.

Astros starting pitcher Jordan Lyles delivers.

Photo: TOM GANNAM / Associated Press

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Matt Carpenter follows through on a two-run home run.

Matt Carpenter follows through on a two-run home run.

Photo: Tom Gannam / Associated Press

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Astros relief pitcher Wesley Wright reacts after giving up a two-run home run to Matt Carpenter.

Astros relief pitcher Wesley Wright reacts after giving up a two-run home run to Matt Carpenter.

Photo: Tom Gannam / Associated Press

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Chris Carter celebrates with Brett Wallace as he crosses the plate after hitting a solo home run.

Chris Carter celebrates with Brett Wallace as he crosses the plate after hitting a solo home run.

Photo: TOM GANNAM / Associated Press

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Jose Altuve slides safely into home.

Jose Altuve slides safely into home.

Photo: Tom Gannam / Associated Press

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J.D. Martinez catches a foul ball.

J.D. Martinez catches a foul ball.

Photo: Tom Gannam / Associated Press

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Astros catcher Jason Castro sets to throw out Allen Craig at first.

Astros catcher Jason Castro sets to throw out Allen Craig at first.

Photo: Tom Gannam / Associated Press

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Jason Castro returns to the dugout after striking out.

Jason Castro returns to the dugout after striking out.

Photo: Chris Lee / McClatchy-Tribune News Service

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July 9: Cardinals 9, Astros 5

Bud Norris of the Astros delivers a pitch to the Cardinals.

July 9: Cardinals 9, Astros 5

Bud Norris of the Astros delivers a pitch to the Cardinals.

Photo: Tom Gannam / Associated Press

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Astros starting pitcher Bud Norris regroups after giving up a solo home run to Matt Holliday of the Cardinals.

Astros starting pitcher Bud Norris regroups after giving up a solo home run to Matt Holliday of the Cardinals.

Photo: Tom Gannam / Associated Press

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Astros left fielder Marc Krauss collides with the wall as Cardinals fans reach for a home run hit by Matt Holliday in the first inning.

Astros left fielder Marc Krauss collides with the wall as Cardinals fans reach for a home run hit by Matt Holliday in the first inning.

Photo: Tom Gannam / Associated Press

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Astros pitcher Bud Norris delivers a throw to the Cardinals.

Astros pitcher Bud Norris delivers a throw to the Cardinals.

Photo: Dilip Vishwanat / Getty Images

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Astros pitcher Bud Norris delivers a throw to the Cardinals.

Astros pitcher Bud Norris delivers a throw to the Cardinals.

Photo: Dilip Vishwanat / Getty Images

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David Freese of the Cardinals is tagged out at home by Astros catcher Jason Castro as he tried to score from third during the fourth inning.

David Freese of the Cardinals is tagged out at home by Astros catcher Jason Castro as he tried to score from third during the fourth inning.

Photo: Tom Gannam / Associated Press

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Cardinals starting pitcher Adam Wainwright pitches in the first inning against the Astros.

Cardinals starting pitcher Adam Wainwright pitches in the first inning against the Astros.

Photo: Tom Gannam / Associated Press

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J.D. Martinez of the Astros attempts to field a deep fly ball against the Cardinals during the second inning.

J.D. Martinez of the Astros attempts to field a deep fly ball against the Cardinals during the second inning.

Photo: Dilip Vishwanat / Getty Images

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Astros starting pitcher Bud Norris takes a practice pitch while being observed by a trainer and manager Bo Porter in the second inning.

Astros starting pitcher Bud Norris takes a practice pitch while being observed by a trainer and manager Bo Porter in the second inning.

Photo: Chris Lee / t. Louis Post-Dispatch/MCT

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Home plate umpire Mark Wegner warns the Cardinals bench after Astros Jason Castro was hit by a pitch in the sixth inning.

Home plate umpire Mark Wegner warns the Cardinals bench after Astros Jason Castro was hit by a pitch in the sixth inning.